3/4 vs 1/2 Garage Opener?

[hockey.modern]

Went all over Calgary to look for the Chamberlain 3/4 garage opener but everywhere it was sold out. I found one online that is on sale but it is the 1/2 model. Anyone know if the differences is big between the two horsepowers?

Looking to get this: http://www.sears.ca/product/chamberl...7234-WD832KEVC

on amazon I saw a 3/4 model but when I searched up the model number it shows a much older version then the pictures: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00X7DA...jFL&ref=plSrch

[CroFlames]

I'm gonna piggy back onto this thread.

My new house has a very loud opener (attached garage) so it's a touch annoying. Is it the chain drive that is the loud part, or are various motors quieter/louder? Would it be significantly quieter if it had a belt drive?

[PaperBagger'14]

Chain drive is significantly louder. If it's an ongoing issue switch to a belt driven model. My only advice as far as horsepower goes is just making sure the 1/2 HP motor is rated for a garage door larger than the size of your door. I believe 1/2 HP are generally used for single doors and 3/4 for double. I'll check the rating of mine (16' by 7' door). I'm not positive on the HP ratings however.

[Frequitude]

I recommend a full garage door opener.

[sureLoss]

http://www.garaga.com/informaion/faq...er-motor-need/

A ½ HP motor certainly enough for doors in the 8 ft. to 12 ft. (2.4 to 3.7 m) wide range. Use a ¾ HP motor for doors measuring over 14 ft. (4.3 m).

Keep in mind that an electric garage door opener is only meant to work as a substitute for human strength. Therefore, the door must be well-balanced at all times in order to maintain its dead weight at 8 to 10 lb.
(3.5 to 4.5 kg).

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I'm gonna piggy back onto this thread.

My new house has a very loud opener (attached garage) so it's a touch annoying. Is it the chain drive that is the loud part, or are various motors quieter/louder? Would it be significantly quieter if it had a belt drive?

Absolutely. I changed mine a few years ago to a belt drive version, and the difference is very noticeable. Less vibration, and way less noise.

My garage is detached, and I only got the new one because the old one failed, but I don't think I'd ever go back to chain drive.

[CroFlames]

So motor noise from brand to brand is very likely negligible, but the difference between chain and belt drive is the key I take it.

I wonder if its possible to swap out the chain for a belt on my existing motor.

[GoinAllTheWay]

1/2 HP vs 3/4HP, really a non issue. Garage doors are so light these days, especially when installed correctly. A 1/2 HP opener will have no issues opening a double wide garage door.

Buy the best you can afford. Mine is 3/4 HP which is massive overkill for my single car garage but bought it for the big dome lights on either side. I like a nice bright garage.

And ya, belt driven or screw driven are noticeably quieter than the old chain drives. Worth the money if you prefer it quieter.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

So motor noise from brand to brand is very likely negligible, but the difference between chain and belt drive is the key I take it.

I wonder if its possible to swap out the chain for a belt on my existing motor.

I'm pretty sure that you can't change from chain to belt drive without changing the whole unit.

[hockey.modern]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

So motor noise from brand to brand is very likely negligible, but the difference between chain and belt drive is the key I take it.

I wonder if its possible to swap out the chain for a belt on my existing motor.

I was told that it wasn't possible. From what I've been told as well is that Chamberlain have some of the best garage door openers out there and belt drives are among the quietest.